Friday, November 23, 2012

Yesterday, we did indeed come, gather and give thanks. It was a beautiful fall day outside and a beautiful day of fellowship, feasting and fun, inside.

All the family contributed yummy food. We had all the traditional dishes: turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, yams, cranberries, jello salad, rolls and pies. We also had some delicious non-traditional additions: spinach salad, brussels sprout and avocado salad and pumpkin cheesecake (thanks Becky and Melody!).

Naomi helped with the candle centerpieces

Lucas peeled, cooked and mashed all the potatoes the day before.

The 22 # turkey just out of the oven

Naomi came in her Pilgrim costume to remind us of the history of our holiday!

Monday, November 19, 2012

On Saturday Lucas and I picked the remaining tomatoes and peppers from the garden. We still have plants to pull up and general garden clean-up to do, but this is the end of our fresh produce for 2012! I will see how many of the tomatoes ripen and maybe make the rest into a green tomato relish or salsa.

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Yesterday we ended a weekend full of 10th birthday celebrations by taking in the homeschool day at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom with good friends. It was a beautiful sunny day and we enjoyed lots of wild animal shows and plenty of rides too! The birthday girl said her favorites were petting the stingrays, seeing the tiger show and riding the cobra roller coaster.

Friday, November 2, 2012

A couple of weekends ago we had all the family here for a Saturday brunch, and got some great family pictures. I just had to share this one!
Miss M., Little O., and Baby B. What a delight they all are!

Welcome...

I'm Olinda, a resident of Northern California, born and raised in Canada. I have been married for 38 years to a devoted and godly husband, who happens to be an outstanding contractor as well! I am mother to 6, mother-in-law to 4, and grandma to 7 (so far). I have devoted my life to managing our household and raising and educating our children. I am blessed beyond measure ~ in big and little ways. I try to live my life with gratitude, one day at a time, by the grace of God.